Global spending on advanced oil, gas exploration tech to hit $10.17 billion in 2011

The Advanced Oil & Gas Exploration Technologies Market 2011-2021The Advanced Oil & Gas Exploration Technologies Market 2011-2021 report analyses how this vitally important market will develop over the next ten years. The report quantifies the market in terms of global size and breaks the market down into sub-markets and seven regional markets, with forecasts and analysis provided for each market from 2011-2021. The report also examines the major drivers and restraints influencing the market over the next decade and explains the major technologies...

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Vision SCR still trying to make it into production

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2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas priced from $26,155*

Honda Announces Pricing Information for 2012 Civic Natural GasAll-new natural gas-powered Civic to go on-sale October 18 at qualified Honda dealerships nationwide09/30/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.The all-new 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas (formally known as the Civic GX), the only dedicated natural gas-powered passenger vehicle manufactured and sold in the U.S., will go on sale at qualified Honda dealerships nationwide on October 18 with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price1 (MSRP) starting at $26,155.To support growing consumer interest in alternative-fuel...

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Team Lotus extends Formula One engine deal with Renault, will use KERS in 2012

We have done the very best job we can this year but without that extra power we are always competing on a different level to the teams ahead, so to give our drivers that boost is a key element of helping us catch the cars ahead, and compete with them when we do so.Renault Sport F1 head Jean-François Caubet said KERS – a system which transforms kinetic energy into useable power, providing Formula One racers with a six-second, 80-horsepower boost – is essential to competitive performance in ...

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USDA: Advanced biofuel payouts will create jobs, jobs and even more jobs

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Payments to Producers in 41 States to Expand the Production and Availability of Advanced BiofuelsWASHINGTON, September 27, 2011 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA will make payments to more than 160 energy producers in 41 states to support and ensure the production and expansion of advanced biofuels."Renewable energy production will create tens of thousands of direct, American jobs; thousands more indirect jobs, and clean electricity to power millions of homes. The payments I am...

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Executive shake-up underway at Ener1 as CEO resigns

Ener1 Announces Senior Management and Board of Directors ChangesNEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Ener1, Inc. HEV -4.85% , a leader in lithium-ion energy storage solutions, today announced two changes to its senior leadership team. Board member Thomas J. Snyder is replacing Charles Gassenheimer as chairman by assuming the role of non-executive chairman of the board. Chris Cowger, who has been serving as president of Ener1, will take over as chief executive officer from Mr. Gassenheimer, who is leaving the company. The changes...

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Nissan addresses Leaf battery life, replacement costs

Hundreds, not thousands.That's the word from Nissan's chief vice-president of global marketing communications, Simon Sproule, who believes that after five years of repeated use, the battery pack in the Nissan Leaf may require some maintenance, but not complete replacement. Nissan states that after five years (or 60,000 miles) of use, the Leaf's battery pack will still retain...

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Tesla expands in Europe with showroom opening in the Netherlands

Tesla Opens Showroom and Service Center in Eindhoven The Netherlands- Tesla Expands Presence for Growing European Customer BaseTesla Motors [http://www.teslamotors.com ] (NASDAQ: TSLA) expands its retail footprint today with the opening of a new Eindhoven Showroom, and Tesla Service Eindhoven, a new state-of-the-art service center, the largest in Europe to date. The new Tesla showroom and service center increase Tesla's commitment to the Benelux region, a market that has been receptive to the Roadster, Tesla' electric supercar, with over 100 cars...

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Canadians may soon be able to buy used cars from Mexico

Canada is opening its used car market to vehicles from Mexico to fulfill the obligations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While vehicles 15 years old or older can already be imported to Canada, this move concerns late-model used vehicles. The only other country Canada accepts used vehicles under 15 years old from is the United States, and NAFTA stipulates...

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U.S. ethanol output dips to lowest level in 2011

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Nissan Leaf nets middling 78-point <i/>Consumer Reports</i> score, still beats Volt

Consumer Reports: Redesigned Chrysler 300 now Ranks Among the Better Upscale SedansHyundai Genesis tops competitive test group in November issue; Nissan Leaf & Hyundai Sonata Hybrid also testedYONKERS, N.Y., Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Revamped for 2011, the Chrysler 300C scored an "Excellent" overall road test score of 80 in Consumer Reports' latest tests of four upscale sedans, up from 64 for the previous model. The 300C now ranks midpack among the 10 upscale sedans that have been tested by CR. Previously, it had been near the...

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Custom turbocharged Hyundai Veloster to bow at SEMA

To showcase the performance capabilities and aftermarket potential of its innovative three-door coupe, Hyundai has teamed up with ARK Performance to transform Veloster into a sleek and sporty rally car. The ARK Performance Veloster will be unveiled at the 2011 SEMA Show with a custom twin-scroll turbocharger increasing its horsepower to 210HP and a bright green and flat gray paint scheme to give enthusiasts a glimpse at Veloster's potential. ARK Performance's Veloster will be shown in the Hyundai booth between November 1-4, 2011 among other modified...

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2012 Nissan Leaf expands availability as U.S. sales reach 7,000 units

Nissan Launches All-Electric LEAF in New U.S. Markets- Ordering begins in additional states, including New York metropolitan area -FRANKLIN, Tenn., Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of the 7,000th delivery in the United States, Nissan North America Inc. is expanding availability of Nissan LEAF, the world's first and only all-electric car for the mass market.Orders for the 2012 Nissan LEAF begin today in Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York. Deliveries of the LEAF, enriched for the 2012 model year...

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Microcab reveals H2EV hydrogen fuel cell vehicle

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High-MPG Toyota Aqua Hybrid to Launch in Japan

Published September 29, 2011By Jeff Cobb Could the new Aqua look like this Prius C concept? This week it was learned that Toyota will launch a Japanese-market compact member of the Prius family in January that could be the most fuel efficient hybrid yet produced.The 2012 Toyota Aqua hybrid will receive a 94 mpg (40 km/liter) rating in Japan according to Reuters, which got...

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CA dealers must affix new warning sticker to salvaged vehicles

California has passed new a new law that further regulates the car-buying process, and the changes appear to be mostly positive. Automotive News reports that, beginning next July, dealers will need to slap a red warning sticker on any vehicle with a salvage title. That means any vehicle that has been legally deemed flood-damaged, junked or salvaged will receive the ominous...

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DOE ready to shift more money to plug-in vehicles in search of jobs

Department of Energy Releases Inaugural Quadrennial Technology Review ReportSeptember 27, 2011 - 1:09pmReport Provides a Roadmap for Advancing Key Energy Technologies and Outlines a Clear Vision of the Department's Goals for Energy InnovationWASHINGTON, DC – The Energy Department today released it's inaugural Quadrennial Technology Review report (DOE-QTR) – an assessment of the Department's energy technology research and development portfolios. The DOE-QTR establishes a robust framework for the Department's energy technology activities, including...

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Honda launches $8,018, 47-mpg Brio minicar in India

The India arm of Honda Motor has officially launched its fuel-sipping Brio minicar, joining its Japanese rivals in the fight for a chunk of India's lucrative minicar segment. Toyota launched its Etios Liva in April of 2011 and Nissan rolled out its Micra in mid-2010.The no-frills Brio starts at 395,000 rupees ($8,018 U.S. at today's exchange rate), compared with 390,000...

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Honda reveals 25% more fuel-efficient 125-cc engine for next-gen scooters

Honda develops new 700cc and 125cc engines and dual clutch transmission for two-wheelers26 September 2011Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has developed new 700cc and 125cc engines for two-wheelers, as well as an accompanying lightweight, compact second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission, featuring a smooth, direct feel and excellent transmission efficiency.700cc. This new engine is a liquid-cooled, 700cc, 4-stroke, in-line, 2-cylinder engine that fits into the mid-class range (displacement between 500 and 750cc) popular in Europe. Fuel economy exceeds 27...

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Murphy Express in Tennessee becomes first gas station to install Level 3 quick-charger

Stemming from an agreement signed back in September of 2010, Eaton Corporation and Murphy Oil USA have revealed what's believed to be the nation's first Level 3 quick-charge unit installed at, wait for it, a gas station.The Eaton DC Quick Charger, installed atMurphy Express Gas on Lee Highway in Chattanooga, TN, can recharge electric vehicles to 80-percent capacity in less...

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Japanese firms develop innovative techniques to reduce vehicle weight

News outlet Nikkei reports that Japan-based steelmakers and chemical firms are developing materials and components that will make vehicles significantly lighter. The reason? Putting an end to Japanese automakers procuring components from rivals overseas.These innovative lightweight materials include high-density steel tubes made by Sumitomo Metal Industries. A unique heat...

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US Energy Department proposes more spending on electric transportation

Published September 28, 2011By Jeff Cobb This year the Energy Department again co-sponsored the EcoCar Challenge exploring ways to improve efficiency with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel cell technologies. Shown are the 2011 winners. Yesterday the U.S. Energy Department released its first-ever "Quadrennial Technology Review," saying it wants to increase funding research...

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2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is evolutionary

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White House delaying release of new fuel economy standards

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U.S. Energy Department proposes more spending on electric transportation

Published September 28, 2011By Jeff Cobb This year the Energy Department again co-sponsored the EcoCar Challenge exploring ways to improve efficiency with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel cell technologies. Shown are the 2011 winners. Yesterday the U.S. Energy Department released its first-ever "Quadrennial Technology Review," saying it wants to increase funding research...

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Toyota Prius C to be called Aqua in Japan, expected to return 94 mpg*

Toyota's upcoming compact hybrid, previewed by the Prius C Concept, will reportedly launch in January 2012 in Japan wearing the Aqua name, according to news outlet Nikkei.The compact gas-electric is expected to carry a fuel economy rating of 40 kilometers per liter (94 miles per gallon U.S.) on Japan's generous JC08 evaluation cycle. That works out to be roughly equal to...

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Upcoming Honda minicar to feature stop-start technology, 59 mpg

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Pike Research says annual sales of plug-in vehicles in U.S. will hit 358,959 by 2017

Electric Vehicle Penetration Rates to be Highest in Smaller StatesSeptember 23, 2011Sales of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are expected to accelerate rapidly over the next several years, posting a compound annual growth rate of 43% between 2011 and 2017, with annual sales reaching almost 360,000 vehicles by 2017. Adoption of PEVs will vary significantly by geography. Unsurprisingly, the most populous states will see the highest sales, with California, New York and Florida recording the highest PEV sales over that same period. As a percentage...

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Epic pitches electric Amp side-by-side with wasp slaying, off-road action promo

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Ford mulls building electric vehicles in China

Published September 27, 2011By Jeff CobbFord Motor Co. is making strides toward possibly building electric vehicles with its joint venture partner in China. At a recent Ford Chinese transmission assembly plant groundbreaking ceremony, Ford’s CEO Alan R. Mulally indicated the blue oval brand is now mulling its options. “As we move to more electrification, you’re going to see more hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric” cars, said Mulally, 66, in a Bloomberg Television interview on Sept. 24 in Chongqing, China. If Ford does decide to collaborate...

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Incentives fail to boost electric vehicle sales in Europe

JATO Dynamics, a UK-based supplier of "automotive intelligence," reports that government subsidies and other monetary incentives have not significantly boosted plug-in vehicle sales in Europe.JATO's research suggests that price has only a minute impact on the decision to buy a plug-in vehicle and points to Germany, Europe's leading plug-in nation, as a prime example this....

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Ferrari 458 Spider priced from $257,000

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Fiat 500 sales in U.S. not meeting expectations amidst marketing meltdown [w/video]

Chrysler set a hugely ambitious sales goal for the 2012 Fiat 500 here in the United States: 6,000 units per month. It shouldn't come as a surprise, then, to learn that early sales figures aren't exactly meeting expectations thus far, but according to Chrysler, this isn't by any fault of the car."I don't think we have a car problem; people love the car," Fiat chief marketing...

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BMW X6 Active Hybrid gets axed

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350Green, Coulomb team to install 400-plus charging stations across U.S.

350Green to Install More Than 400 ChargePoint Network Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles Across United States350Green to Install Charging Stations and Use ChargePoint Network Cloud-Based EV Charging Services as it Expands its National FootprintCAMPBELL, Calif., Sep 22, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- 350Green and Coulomb Technologies today announced they will extend the reach of both companies' technologies and services. 350Green has agreed to purchase and install more than 400 charging stations across the country powered by the ChargePoint(R) Network,...

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U.S. gasoline demand hits 10-year August low

Gasoline demand weak; total petroleum demand up slightlyWASHINGTON, September 23, 2011 – Total petroleum deliveries (a measure of demand) rose slightly in August (to 19.7 million barrels a day) compared with August a year ago, with demand for gasoline and distillates moving in opposite directions. Gasoline demand fell by 1.3 percent to a 10-year low for the month while distillate demand rose by 10.8 percent. On a year-to-date basis, gasoline demand was two percent lower than in 2010."The U.S. economy is still struggling," said API chief economist...

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Spike TV readying reality show about turning around car dealers

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2012 Kia Rio priced from $13,600*

2012 Kia Rio 5-Door Priced Under $14,000-- Rio offers valuable combination of class-leading 138 horsepower(1) and fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon(2)-- Models feature Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology - a first for the segmentKia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced pricing for the all-new and completely redesigned 2012 Rio 5-door subcompact hatchback beginning at an impressive $13,600(3) MSRP, while the Rio 5-door A/T starts at $14,700(4) – both lower than the previous generation. The top-of-the-line,...

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